Do you wish for a garden full of lush greenery, but don’t have the space? Perhaps you live in an apartment or small home without a yard. Or maybe you have a fully landscaped yard but still want some space to tinker. Whatever your reason, a succulent container garden can be a great substitute for or addition to a more traditional garden.
Succulents store water in their fleshy leaves, stems, and roots, making them ideal for dry climates – and busy gardeners who don’t want to commit to a demanding watering schedule. Pottery is also a beautiful addition to a patio or balcony area, or even inside the home. It’s easy to decorate with pottery – just choose colors and shapes that please your eye! Experiment with grouping them together in clusters to fill empty space, or scatter them throughout your home.
If you’re working within a budget, a container garden doesn’t have to be expensive. Check local thrift stores for used pots, or come check out the ones we have at our nursery. Then, follow these tips to get your succulent container garden started:
- Select a flowerpot, and fill it three-quarters of the way with potting mix.
- Fill the rest of the way with gravel. Blend the soil and gravel together, and moisten with water.
- Remove your young plants from their nursery containers, and transplant them in the pot. You may wish to cluster several plants together according to shape, or you might opt for a mix of colors that pleases you.
- Cover the top of the soil with dark-colored aquarium gravel. The color contrast is appealing, and the rocky appearance lends a “desert themed” appeal that works well with succulents.
- Choose a spot for your succulents. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t actually do well in a lot of direct sunlight. These plants can burn easily, so keep them out of bright midday sun. Choose a place where they will get lots of bright, but indirect light. Be sure to select a place that is sheltered from the cold; succulents are badly damaged by the frost.
- Water your succulents lightly and regularly, but remember that they prefer a drier environment than most other plants. Usually succulents only need to be watered once a week or so. Stop by our nursery, and we would be happy to help you select some beautiful plants and advise you on their care.
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